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New Hall of Sponsors Scholarships
The Central Methodist University legacy can be defined in many ways, and each category stands on its own in a rich history and reputation. While known for its academic excellence, personal learning environment, deep traditions, and world-class athletic teams, Central is also known for its charitable support of the institution.
Alumni and friends have a long history of giving and making a difference in the lives of others. This winter, Central was honored to receive several generous estate gifts, many of which put emphasis on student scholarships. One might take for granted the impact of an estate gift or see it as a mere moment in time. However, in three scholarships alone, 10 students each year will benefit for generations to come.
The Hall of Sponsors endowed scholarships utilize four percent of the interest earned each year to provide annual distributions to help deserving students attend CMU. Enjoy reading about four of the latest Hall of Sponsors scholarships, created through estate planning. Dr. Donald, ’44, and Emily Sheets Estate A gift from the Sheets estate endowed a Hall of Sponsors scholarship in honor of Lloyd Dean Olson, ’41, and Walter Roy Newcomb, ’40, two of Donald’s classmates at Central who died in World War II. The Walter Roy Newcomb and Lloyd Dean Hall of Sponsors Scholarship was endowed and will be awarded to four recipients each year.
Dr. Donald and Emily Sheets spent a lifetime in education. It was clearly a passion for them. Emily enjoyed a full career as an elementary school teacher. Donald was an instructor in the Navy V-12 program at Central and began his career in chemistry with Monsanto Chemical Company.
Dr. Sheets received his master’s degree and PhD. from the University of Michigan, where he was a research fellow from 1945 to 1949. He was a visiting lecturer in chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., during the summers of 1962 and 1963.
While classes were not in session at the Naval Academy, he performed research for the Navy at the David W. Taylor Naval Ship Research and Development Center. The Taylor Laboratories were conveniently located across the Severn River from the Naval Academy, where Dr. Sheets subsequently led a respected, 21-year career as a physics professor at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., before retiring in 1983.
Articles by Dr. Sheets were published in U.S. government publications and the Journal of the American Chemical Society. For a short time during retirement, he was a consultant with Trident Engineering Associated, Inc., on chemistry-related issues. Dr. Sheets was a member of Sigma Xi, Alpha Chi Sigma, Phi Lambda Upsilon, and American Chemical Society, Division of Education.
Barbara J., ’49, and Wilson S. Bryan The Barbara J. and Wilson S. Bryan Estate provided a gift funding the Barbara J. and Wilson S. Bryan First
Generation Opportunity Trustee Scholarship. Five first-generation students will be awarded annually.
Barbara J. and Wilson “Salty” S. Bryan of Platte City, Mo., were strong advocates for education and the opportunities it provides. Barbara was a homemaker, and Wilson was a long-time business owner in Platte City.
James L. Byrd, III, ’52 A gift from the James L. Byrd, III estate funded the James L. Byrd, III Presidential Hall of Sponsors Scholarship. The scholarship will be annually awarded to a music major who is a member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia music fraternity.
Born June 22, 1930, in Cairo, Ill., son of the late James Lanier Byrd, Jr., and Lucille Frisby Byrd, he was a lifelong resident of Charleston, Mo. Jim attended Charleston Public Schools through his second year of high school and then completed high school at the Shattuck Military Academy in Faribault, Minn. After high school, Jim attended Central Methodist University in Fayette, where he was a member of the band and graduated with a degree in business administration.
Jim was a landowner and the owner of South Missouri Broadcasting Company (KCHR), which he founded in 1954 and operated until his retirement. Jim served with the Missouri National Guard for 16 years and was a member of the United Methodist Church of Charleston.
Jim loved trains, especially steam engines, Packard automobiles, and radio broadcasting, and he was an expert on each of these subjects. Jim was also known for his generosity in donating pipe organs to the United Methodist Church of Charleston and the First Baptist Church of Charleston.
Elbert “Gabby” Haenssler, ’56 The “Gabby” Haenssler Estate funded the Elbert “Gabby” Haenssler Presidential Hall of Sponsors Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a physical education major.
Gabby graduated from Central College, now Central Methodist University. He then graduated from the University of Missouri with a master’s in education. At Central, he worked with the basketball and football teams and played baseball. He was the sports editor of the college newspaper and yearbook. At Central, Gabby began to officiate sports and did radio interviews for a Boonville radio station. While in Columbia, he was integral in developing youth sports teams.
Following college and getting married, he served in the United States Army, then as physical director of the Saint Louis Downtown YMCA. He went on to teaching and coaching – work he enjoyed for 40 years. During his coaching career, Gabby obtained much success and was blessed with the top players. Highlights include two straight MSHSAA tennis championship teams in 1968 and 1969 and many undefeated freshman wrestling teams as head coach.
He enjoyed serving as a football, basketball, wrestling, and baseball official for 46 years. He had 36 years with the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Rams, and the NFL. Gabby worked many NFL scrimmage games but never an NFL season game as an on-field official.
During his lifetime, Gabby also enjoyed farming, fishing, garden work, golf, hunting, lawn work, and being a Sunday School teacher.
